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Turner Valley RCMP investigating arson in Eden Valley

A culprit(s) started a fire that caused $6,000 worth of damage to a tractor on June 30.
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The Turner Valley RCMP is investigating an arson that occurred in Eden Valley on June 30. (Wheel File Photo)

Turner Valley RCMP is requesting the public’s help to catch the person(s) responsible for setting a fire in Eden Valley a month ago.

At around 8 a.m. on June 30, the RCMP received a call that a tractor was on fire at the rodeo grounds in the First Nations community west of Longview.

“A resident of Eden Valley had a tractor parked over in the rodeo grounds at the time,” said Turner Valley RCMP Staff Sgt. Laura Akitt. “The tractor had been there for a kids’ day event planned for July 1.”

An investigation into the arson revealed the tractor’s fuel lines had been cut and the fuel was likely used as an accelerant. The damage was estimated at around $6,000.

Akitt said the fire was small and hadn’t spread.

“It was as very small fire so it didn’t cause extensive damage to the tractor, although some parts had to be replaced because of it,” she said. “It was put out when we got there.”

Akitt said the area was fairly remote, therefore the only one believed to be at risk was the culprit(s) involved.

“The suspect or suspects could have seriously been harmed,” she said. “What can be done as a prank can quickly become serious.”

Turner Valley RCMP is unsure whether the owner of the tractor was targeted or if the arson was a crime of opportunity.

“It’s a serious investigation and we’re definitely taking it seriously,” she said. “It’s a criminal code offense.”

RCMP is looking for the owner of a brown four-door car that was observed leaving the area around the time of the incident.

If you have information regarding this or any other criminal code offence, contact the Turner Valley RCMP at 403-933-4262 or call your local police.

To remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-84tt (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple or Google Play Store.

Tammy Rollie, OkotoksToday.ca

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